Shaun Burgoyne
Spending the majority of his summer training in the forward line, Burgoyne will continue to be trialled in attack in his first run of the year. The quintessential utility, Burgoyne has spent the bulk of his career in the brown and gold through either the defensive or midfield lines but the former Port Adelaide player did start his career predominantly around goals. The 36-year-old was arguably the most influential forward in last month’s intraclub with form that would have Hawks fans fascinated at the prospect of watching Silk weave his magic around goals in 2019.
Mitch Lewis
There was always going to be competition for spots going from week one of the JLT Series to week two. But such was Lewis’ promising game against the Lions, the 20-year-old made it difficult for Alastair Clarkson to leave him out of this week’s side. Lewis’ presence forward of centre against Brisbane was noticeable, recording five inside 50s and seven marks – two of which were inside forward 50. Standing at 198cm, the Calder Cannons product is eyeing off a Round 1 selection in the role of a key forward who can also pinch-hit in the ruck.
Jaeger O’Meara
A pre-season stand-out, Jaeger O'Meara has given every indication that a career-best year is in store. With the injury to fellow midfielder Tom Mitchell in January, O’Meara poses as a key cog in Hawthorn’s fortunes in its 2019 campaign. On Saturday night the 25-year-old will lead a new-look Hawks on-ball brigade into battle against one of the more talented midfields in the competition.
Dustin Martin
Dustin Martin is regarded as the number one player in the competition. His ability to break a game open is arguably better than any of his peers, with his talents inside the stoppage, around the ground and in front of the big sticks. Martin seems to enjoy playing against the Hawks, averaging 27 disposals across his 11 career encounters with the brown and gold. For this weekend’s game and for every game for the rest of his career, Dustin Martin will be one to watch.
Jayden Short
From one of the most talked about footballers in the land to one that seems to continually sneak under the radar, Jayden Short is a key factor of the Tigers’ ability to break sides open. Short was a revelation for Richmond last year, with his daring dash and ability to spot up long targets forward of the ball. Averaging 20.3 disposals, 4.6 rebound-50s, 3.4 inside-50s in 2018, the 22-year-old ranked number one in the competition for total metres gained. Having picked up 29 possessions in the Tigers’ first hit-out against Melbourne last week, you’d expect Short to get more and more attention in 2019.
